As Michigan logs its third straight week of record jobless claims, the surge coincides with new state and federal safety nets, offering hope for some replacement of evaporating paychecks.

More than 800,000 Michigan residents had filed initial unemployment claims since March 21, just days before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered non-essential businesses to close. Now state systems and employees are “working around the clock,” officials say, to get relief funds flowing.

Regular Michigan unemployment

The cap on state unemployment is $362 per week, and the average payout is $325 per week. Normally, unemployment benefits are paid for up to 20 weeks, Michigan residents can now get 39 weeks, with the final 13 weeks guaranteed under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).

Payment generally takes two weeks to start after registration, said Jason Moon, communications manager for the state’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

“The easiest and fastest way to file a claim is through the website,” with most cases clearing in 25 minutes, Moon said.

Be ready to re-certify every two weeks, though during the pandemic you won’t have to prove that you’re seeking a new job.

Registration continues online and by phone, with the state increasing unemployment phone bank staff and hours this week. Registering between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. may be faster, while alleviating pressure on the overloaded system. Filing online is another pressure release, reserving the phone system for those without connectivity.

Jobless workers should file within 28 days of layoff. But if there is an issue - such as illness - the state may extend the timeline.

CARES Act unemployment additional $600 benefit plus expanded coverage

Worried about meeting expenses with regular unemployment benefits? The CARES Act, among its many provisions, also will add $600 per week for up to 20 weeks to most unemployment benefit claims.

Details are still pending on how that will reach Michigan residents.

“We did receive guidance from the federal government early in the week,” Moon said. “We are incorporating that into our systems.”

Meanwhile, traditional unemployment did not cover people in a variety of work situations. The CARES Act expands that, making it possible for contract workers, “gig” workers, freelancers and people who have exhausted state unemployment options to get payments. People whose jobs were interrupted due to COVID-19 also are eligible for the payouts, including those taking care of family members with the virus.

The state soon will announce when those displaced workers can apply for unemployment.

When will you see a payment? Word on when the CARES Act money will reach unemployed residents should be released this weekend, Moon said.

$1,200 stimulus checks

Many Americans can expect to receive up to $1,200 through the Internal Revenue Service. Couples could receive up to $2,400. Families with children will receive an additional $500 for each child under 17.

The payments will go to people with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and joint filers above $198,000 in income with no children are not eligible, according to the U.S. Treasury. Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a tax return are also eligible, according to the IRS.

The government will find you to deliver the windfall, and it says nothing needs to be done to get the money. The IRS is using tax filing data and previously filed bank information to send the funds. A website will be established soon for people to set up direct deposit if they normally opt to receive a check from the IRS.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said last week that payments should start going out next week. Congress released a more detailed timeframe Thursday:

About 60 million payments should go out the week of April 13 through direct deposit.

A second round will go out by the end of April to Social Security beneficiaries who did not file tax returns in the last two years.

By May 4, the IRS will begin issuing paper checks, starting with people with the lowest adjusted gross income.

The state of Michigan has frozen 340,000 unemployment accounts, blocking cash assistance for jobless residents while it investigates suspected fraud by imposters seeking to take advantage of enhanced benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said Friday.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is utilizing a federal “work share” program to furlough state employees one day per week. Because of federal benefits, many state workers will earn more than they would have working five days per week.

If you learned something from the story you're reading please consider supporting our work. Your donation allows us to keep our Michigan-focused reporting and analysis free and accessible to all. All donations are voluntary, but for as little as $1 you can become a member of Bridge Club and support freedom of the press in Michigan during a crucial election year.

Add new comment

Dear Reader: We value your thoughts and criticism on the articles, but insist on civility. Criticizing comments or ideas is welcome, but Bridge won’t tolerate comments that are false or defamatory or that demean, personally attack, spread hate or harmful stereotypes. Violating these standards could result in a ban.